In Tilt: Finding Christ in Culture, Brian Nixon takes the reader on a voyage of discovery, traveling the currents of God's presence in culture, summed up in four streams that define a noun: people, places, things, and ideas. In his journey, Nixon touches upon people as diverse as Andy Warhol, Cormac McCarthy, Robert Redford, and Georgia O'Keeffe; places such as Canterbury, England, and Las Vegas, Nevada; things as unique as typewriters, trains, and abstract art; and ideas as fascinating as mathematics and beauty. In these short impressionistic pieces, Nixon, with the curiosity of a journalist, elicits intelligent discussion and poetic articulations, prompting a head tilt from those who join him on a theo-cultural expedition.
Brian Nixon is a writer, artist, musician, educator, minister, and family man. He’s a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus (BA), Trinity Seminary (MA), Veritas Seminary (MA), and is a Fellow at Oxford Graduate School (DPhil). Nixon is a director of education and publishing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a journalist, his writing interests yearn to inspire the Christian imagination, covering three broad areas: truth, beauty, and goodness—often summarized as the transcendentals.
“I believe everyone will certainly tilt his or her head when reading this excellent work! Brian Nixon, a trained theologian and profound artist, combines his skills and offers insights on beauty (not only in art, but in all of nature) and its origin (namely God himself) in an unusual but brilliant and somehow very personal way. This book is a journey that leads us through the world of art and Christianity and gives food for mind and soul. Marvelous!”
—Peter Zöller-Greer, mathematician and musician
“The range of reflections in Tilt opens up a wide conversation about the nature of theology, the arts, poetry, and meaning. From C. S. Lewis to Georgia O’Keeffe to Billy the Kid, from trains to typewriters, from mountains to mathematics, the invitation by Nixon to think creatively and constructively is a welcomed voice in the landscape of theopoetics. Finding depth and richness of language, readers are rewarded with an awareness of Christ in culture throughout the world around us.”
—Steven Schweitzer, Academic Dean and Professor, Bethany Theological Seminary
“As a journalist, poet, musician, and artist, Brian is a rare individual, a human being with varied interests and gifts. And compounded with a Christian worldview, Brian’s voice is grounded in truth, beauty, and goodness. . . . Brian has an artist’s spirit, a head for logic, and a minister’s heart. I am glad that others will get the opportunity now to read Brian’s observations, get inspired, and join the dialogue.”
—Jeff LeFever, artist, author of Consecrated Space
“From musician Tom Waits and artist Max Cole to composer Warner Hutchison, each profile is rich with detail. More importantly, Nixon demonstrates that God can be found in the most unlikely of places. In Tilt, Nixon mines for the spiritual and finds pure gold.”
—Lori Cameron, Editor, The Penwood Review
“With all the negative news-bites about how culture no longer reflects Christian values, Brian has proved them wrong with Tilt! In the most unlikely places, he highlights many encouraging examples of Christ in culture. How refreshing it is to read a book like this one that dispels Nietzsche’s notion that ‘God is dead.’ Brian has shone a brilliant light on culture for those with eyes to see! Tolle Lege (take up and read)!”
—Joseph Holden, President, Veritas International University
“I count it an honor to introduce you to a fine thinker, writer, musician, and journalist. Together we’ve had many journeys, and I’m honored to introduce some of these adventures to you through Tilt: Finding Christ In Culture. I highly recommend this book.”
—Dan Wooding, journalist, founder of Assist News Service
“In Tilt: Finding Christ In Culture, you’ll find a mind engaged with culture, looking for Christ within her midst. A must read.”
—John Warwick Montgomery, author of Always Be Ready
“Not only is Brian passionate about Christ but reaching our culture with Christ. I recommend this book.”
—Todd Hunter, Bishop, Anglican Church in North America
“Awaiting you here is a journey of artistic exploration and joyful discovery through insightful dialogue with artists about the meaning and context of their creations. Highly recommended!”
—Frederick Frahm, composer
“Brian represents the motto of Alcuin of York well: ‘For the love of learning.’ As Alcuin of York said, ‘Man thinks, God directs.’ Let the thoughts of one man, Brian, allow God to direct you to impact our culture for Christ. I recommend this book.”
—Peter Riola, St. Alcuin’s House Seminary and Oxford Graduate School